The Association for Asian and Asian-American Awareness get an A for alliteration and bringing programs to Allegheny this April in accordance to their annual Asia month.

A5’s President Jenny Huang is thrilled to be offering such an extensive list of programs.

“[A5] has been discussing possible program opportunities long before winter break,” said Huang, ’08. “Last year we had about 20 events but they were very repetitive. This year we are trying something completely different.”

The program kicks off tonight with professor Jing Wang’s martial arts performance followed by a lecture in the Ford Chapel at 7 p.m.

Throughout the month look out for professor David Jortner’s luncheon lecture, a Chinese calligraphy demonstration, game night, and many other programs promoting the celebration of Asia month.

“I am looking most forward to Magdalen Hsu-Li performance and lecture,” Huang said.

Hsu-Li is an internationally acclaimed singer/songwriter who sings both Asian and American songs. A cultural activist who is openly bisexual, Hsu-Li will follow her Thursday night performance with a lecture on finding one’s identity on Friday. Allegheny Gay Pride will be co-sponsoring the event on March 16 in the campus center lobby at 12 p.m.

The month ends on Saturday, April 28 at 12 p.m. in the Tippie Alumni Center in a round table discussion with Dr. Roy Phitayakorn, Allegheny alumnus and founder of A5.

“I’m anticipating this month will really make [A5’s] presence on campus known,” said Ali Heffner ‘09. “Hopefully students will learn more about Asian cultures debunking Asian stereotypes.”

Heffner is part of the 50 percent of students on A5 that do not identify themselves as Asian.

“Being an Asian studies minor is one of the reasons why I’m more active,” Heffner said.

Huang hopes that this month’s programs will encourage students to join.

“My main goal this year is to put out there that you don’t have to be Asian to be in the club,” Heffner said. “[A5] really wants to bring awareness to Asia culture to a campus that really is not too diverse.”

All programs sponsored by A5 this month are free of charge and occasionally you might be lucky to score some free food.

“I’m really looking forward to Jortner’s lecture,” Heffner said. “It’s a luncheon and free food is always good for a college student. And I’ve previously had Jortner for two semesters, and he really gets into it.”

Look for Celebrate Asia Month 2007 posters campus-wide for a full list of events and event times.